UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is tasked with addressing housing and sustainable urban development issues worldwide. It plays a key role in tackling global urban challenges, working to improve quality of life, confront issues like rapid urbanization and housing shortages, and promote urban planning practices that are more socially inclusive and environmentally responsible. In 2022, it launched the project "Urban Connections - Public Space Planning for Inclusive Communities," a major initiative of the organization aimed at strengthening local governments through participatory urban planning and public space design.
In an increasingly urbanized world, where the majority of the population already resides in urban areas, the need to create more livable and socially integrated cities has never been more urgent. The Urban Connections project recognizes the vital importance of public spaces as sites for gathering, social interaction, and cultural expression, and its mission is to transform these spaces into more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant environments. One of its main strategies is to promote a participatory approach that involves collaboration among residents, authorities, and experts, facilitating meaningful discussions on local needs, identifying specific challenges, and developing innovative solutions that reflect the aspirations and values of the communities involved.
